Global Neurology Virtual Fireside Chat
Introducing the ANA Virtual Fireside Chat Series! Join the American Neurological Association on Wednesday, January 28, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST, bringing together U.S.-based leaders in academic global neurology for the first session in this exciting new series.
In this informal, unscripted conversation, panelists will reflect on the state of the field, explore current challenges, and discuss emerging opportunities for impact, training, and collaboration. Participants are encouraged to submit anonymous questions in advance during registration or engage live during the session for a dynamic, interactive discussion.
Moderators
Monica Diaz, MD, MS is an assistant professor of neurology at UNC whose research focuses on HIV‑related neurocognitive disorders and neuroimmunology in global settings. She leads collaborative studies in Peru and co-directs a bilateral neurology resident rotation to advance global neurology training. Dr. Diaz also works to address disparities in access to neurological care.
Deanna Saylor, MD, MHS, FANA is an Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Global Neurology Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where her research and clinical work focus on neurological complications of HIV, neuroepidemiology, and strengthening neurology care and training in resource‑limited settings, especially in sub‑Saharan Africa. She has built and leads Zambia’s first inpatient neurology service and post‑graduate neurology training program while advancing research on stroke and systems of neurological care in the region.
Panelists
Gretchen Birbeck, MD, MPH, FANA is the Edward A. & Alma Vollertsen Rykenboer Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester whose research and clinical work focus on epilepsy and other neurological disorders in sub‑Saharan Africa. She directs the Chikankata Epilepsy Care Team in Zambia and leads long‑standing efforts to develop scalable, evidence‑based interventions, build neurological care capacity, and conduct neuroepidemiology and clinical trials in resource‑limited settings. Her work has advanced both global epilepsy care and training of local health professionals.
Edwin Trevathan, MD, MPH, FANA is a pediatric neurologist, epidemiologist, and the Amos Christie Chair in Global Health at Vanderbilt University Medical Center whose research spans global neuroepidemiology, childhood epilepsy, and large‑scale clinical trials in sub‑Saharan Africa. He directs major NIH‑funded initiatives that aim to improve epilepsy care delivery and outcomes in low‑resource settings, including task‑shifted epilepsy treatment models and genomic studies of status epilepticus in northern Nigeria. Dr. Trevathan has held leadership roles in global health and neurological public health at institutions including the CDC, Saint Louis University, and Baylor University.
Joseph Zunt, MD, MPH, FANA is a Professor of Neurology and Global Health at the University of Washington whose research focuses on the epidemiology and neurologic manifestations of central nervous system infections, retroviruses, and stroke in Latin America, particularly Peru. He leads global health research and training programs that build research capacity and mentor clinicians and scientists across multiple countries through NIH Fogarty‑supported initiatives. Dr. Zunt’s work advances understanding of neuroinfectious diseases and strengthens global neurology research and clinical training networks.